Networking is one of those words that gets branded about willy nilly. Every professional, from their second job onwards, is told about the importance of maintaining a level of contact with previous colleagues, contacts, clients and pretty much anyone we come across from our own or near-as-dammit industries. But how many of us really work at it unless we suddenly find ourselves in a position where we want, or dare I even say.... need... something? We might keep in touch with those like-minded souls whom we have developed a friendship with, or perhaps we even maintain a relationship with ex-bosses (best not to burn many bridges I always say...) but to maintain contact with others? Those colleagues that we didn't see eye-to-eye with? Those clients we used to cringe from when we saw there name flash up on our mobile phone? It's actually damned hard work. The introduction of professional networking sites such Linked-in are making this easier than ever, but other than maintaining their details on an on-line directory, do we ever really take the time to do much else..??? In my mind, the majority of professionals only begin to really network when they need to, well, net some work. And then it really does feel difficult....